Manager-Institutional Advancement

Plaksha; Mumbai, Hyderabad, Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Plaksha is seeking a high-energy Manager for the Institutional Advancement Team to drive corporate philanthropy and CSR partnerships across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. You will lead new business development, craft compelling narratives, and convert relationships into multi-year funding and co-branded initiatives.

The role blends donor stewardship (approx. 30%) with aggressive new acquisition (70%), requiring senior-level relationship-building, strategic thinking, and

Qualifications

• 8–15 years experience in corporate fundraising, CSR partnerships, institutional/corporate sales or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to originate and close corporate partnerships or gifts, independently or in a team.
• MBA preferred and strong storytelling and relationship-building capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and target new corporate partners with CSR mandates, prioritizing first-time givers to Plaksha.
• Develop industry-academia partnership opportunities for corporate R&D and research projects.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective corporates via research, mapping and network intelligence.
• Lead end-to-end acquisition from outreach to proposal, pitch, negotiation and closure.
• Represent Plaksha at CSR forums and industry events to generate qualified leads and brand presence.

Skills

Hunter mindset

Storyteller

Relationship capital

Strategic & commercial thinking

Self-driven & resilient

Collaborative

Education

MBA preferred

Graduate or postgraduate in any field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM

AI tools

Job description

Who are we

Plaksha is a technology university for the future, founded through collective philanthropy by a global community of entrepreneurs and business leaders to reimagine technology education and research. Our vision is to nurture the next generation of fearless leaders to solve the toughest challenges of our planet.

The University launched in 2021 in Mohali, Punjab and is at an exciting stage. We launched a high school summer program called Young Technology Scholars in 2018, a postgraduate program called Tech Leaders Program in 2019, cutting-edge undergraduate programs in 2021, the PhD program in 2022 and an MS in AI program in 2026. We are looking for people to join us on this exciting journey and translate the ambitious vision into reality.

Role: Manager - Institutional Advancement Team

Locations: Delhi (NCR) / Mumbai / Bengaluru / Hyderabad

Reporting to: Vice PresidentInstitutional Advancement Team

We are looking for a high-energy, relationship-driven professional to help grow Plaksha's footprint in the corporate philanthropy and CSR ecosystem. This is a front-line, revenue-focused role with a strong emphasis on new acquisition - identifying, approaching, and converting corporate partners who have not previously engaged with Plaksha.

The role demands someone who can lead with compelling storytelling, build Plaksha's brand presence in corporate boardrooms and CSR circles, and convert these relationships into sustainable funding, co-branded initiatives, and long-term partnerships, working closely with the Institutional Advancement leadership. Donor stewardship and servicing will constitute approximately 30% of the role; the remaining 70% is new business development.

Job Description

Corporate / Corporate CSR Acquisition & Pipeline Development:

• Proactively identify and target new corporate partners with aligned CSR mandates, particularly first-time givers with no prior connection to Plaksha.
• Identify possible industry-academia partnership opportunities towards corporate R&D / University research projects.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective corporates through research, industry mapping, and network intelligence.
• Support end-to-end acquisition, from first outreach to proposal, pitch, negotiation, and mandate closure.
• Leverage tools such as Fortune 500 databases, capital markets reports and CSR spend disclosures to prioritize high-potential targets.
• Represent Plaksha at industry forums, CSR conclaves and business events to build awareness and generate qualified leads.

Storytelling & Brand Building:

• Craft and deliver compelling narratives that connect Plaksha's mission to a corporate partner's CSR priorities - articulating impact in a language that resonates with CSR heads, HR leaders and business decision-makers.
• Develop tailored pitch decks, proposals and concept notes aligned with corporate funding themes (STEM education, skilling, diversity, deep tech, etc.).
• Act as a brand ambassador for Plaksha, consistently raising the university's visibility and credibility in the corporate sector.
• Partnership Development:
• Support structuring of multi-year funding commitments, CSR mandates, co-branded research initiatives and industry collaboration agreements.
• Explore and pursue broader partnership opportunities including student placement tie-ups, industry mentorship programs, research opportunities and co-curricular collaborations.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders – advancement, academic, finance and legal teams to convert agreed partnerships into signed MoUs, pledge letters and gift agreements.

Donor Stewardship & Servicing

• Manage and deepen relationships with an existing portfolio of corporate donors, ensuring continued engagement, timely reporting and renewal of partnerships.
• Coordinate with internal teams to prepare utilization certificates, impact reports and donor updates that reinforce confidence and trust.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM system; generate regular MIS reports on pipeline status, engagement activities and fundraising outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Experience & Education

• Graduate or postgraduate in any field; MBA preferred.
• 8–15 years of experience in corporate fundraising, CSR partnerships, institutional / corporate sales or a closely related field. Strategic account management or consulting backgrounds with transferable skills are welcome.
• Demonstrated experience originating and closing corporate partnerships or gifts, independently or as part of a team.

Skills & Key Attributes

• Hunter mindset: A genuine appetite for new acquisition - energized by opening new doors, not just managing familiar ones.
• Storyteller: Ability to translate complex academic and research initiatives into emotionally resonant, outcome-focused narratives for a corporate audience.
• Relationship capital: Strong existing network within CSR, HR or business leadership circles, with the ability to leverage it for warm introductions and credibility.
• Strategic and commercial: Understands corporate decision-making cycles, CSR compliance frameworks and how to position Plaksha as a high-trust CSR partner.
• Self-driven and resilient: Comfortable with ambiguity, long sales cycles and the inevitable rejection that comes with new business development.
• Collaborative: Work fluidly across internal stakeholders / teams - finance, programs, faculty to deliver a seamless partner experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), CRM and AI tools.

What can Plaksha offer you?

• The opportunity to be part of one of the largest collective philanthropies to reimagine higher education and build future skills for the next generation.
• A mission-driven workplace with opportunities to collaborate with leading minds in academia & industry.
• A transparent work culture embodying our values C.R.E.A.T.E. (Curious, Rigorous, Enterprising, Authentic, Thankful, Exemplary), fostering personal growth.
• An inclusive environment that values diverse talent, promotes innovation, and supports the development of individuals from underrepresented groups.